Dr. Miguel N. Burnier Jr.

Dr. Miguel N. Burnier Jr. is a distinguished and highly respected figure in the field of ophthalmology and pathology, holding multiple academic and leadership roles at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He is a Full Professor of Ophthalmology, Pathology, Medicine, Oncology, and Surgery, and served as the Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at McGill from 1993 to 2008. Dr. Burnier was also the inaugural holder of the Thomas O. Hecht Family Chair in Ophthalmology from 1996 to 2012, a prestigious position awarded to him upon his arrival at McGill as Professor and Chair of the Department.

In addition to his academic appointments, Dr. Burnier has held significant leadership roles, including serving as the Interim Director of the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) from 2020 to 2021. He currently serves as the Director of Training & Development at the RI-MUHC, where he continues to influence the next generation of researchers and clinicians.

Dr. Burnier is the immediate Past-President of the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO) and remains an active member of its Executive Board. His international influence is further highlighted by his role as the Founder of the Burnier International Ocular Pathology Society (BIOPSY), an organization that brings together a global network of over 350 fellows and graduate students who have trained under his guidance. The society holds biennial scientific meetings, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among its members.

As the Director of the MUHC-McGill University Ocular Pathology & Translational Research Laboratory, he has established a unique and unparalleled facility in Canada. This laboratory has grown to become the largest research and training center in ocular pathology in North America, offering the only Ocular Pathology graduate program on the continent. Over 350 fellows and graduate students from around the world have passed through this laboratory, contributing to its reputation as a leader in ocular pathology research and training.

Our PI's contributions to ophthalmology and pathology are widely recognized, and his impact on the field is profound. He has served as the Editor-in-Chief Emeritus of the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology (CJO) and continues to be involved in various leadership roles, including as the Director of the Melanoma Program at the MUHC and a Member of Chair #XLV at the Academy of Ophthalmology International (AOI). His work continues to shape the future of ocular pathology and ophthalmology both in Canada and internationally.